Pickleball Craze Hits St. Johns: The nationwide pickleball phenomenon has landed in St. Johns County — and it’s not just a passing trend. From parks to recreation centers, courts are buzzing as players of all ages and skill levels take up paddles in record numbers.
A Sport for Everyone, from 7 to 70
Resident Pat Ball has seen the transformation firsthand.
“When I started playing eight years ago, it was an old people’s game. And now you come here, and I’m playing with my seven-year-old grandson, who just loves it. There’s this whole range now of people, and it’s just exploded.” – (ball)
Fellow player Stan Bodie even gave up golf after getting hooked.
“I no longer golf now because I am addicted. Maybe I am addicted to this game. The cardio, the cognition, the social, the overall well-being are just great for everyone’s health.” – (Bodie)
The rise in popularity isn’t just anecdotal. According to data from Pickleheads, pickleball participation in St. Johns County jumped by more than 51% from 2022 to 2023, and over the past three years, it has skyrocketed by over 223%.
Growth Fueled by Accessibility and Affordability
Laura Gainor, with St. Johns County Parks and Recreation, attributes the rise to how easy it is to get started.
“That’s why it grew so fast; it has such a low barrier of entry. You can come and play for free here at Veterans Park. Paddles range from $50 up to $300 or more, but it’s very inexpensive overall.” – (Gainor)
Ball and his wife have even turned their pickleball passion into a lifestyle, traveling the country in a camper and playing in California, Arizona, Michigan, and beyond.
“It’s how we make new friends.” – (ball)
County Responds to Soaring Demand
The county’s response has been swift. Ryan Kane, Director of Sports and Recreation, said the number of pickleball courts in St. Johns County is set to nearly double from 36 to 70 within the next three years.
“We’re seeing huge demand for pickleball courts, and we’re adding more all the time. Treaty Park is already a hot spot, and we’ve got big plans for new courts in the future to accommodate this rapidly growing community.” – (Kane)
With county investment in new facilities and grassroots enthusiasm fueling participation, the future of pickleball in St. Johns County is bright — and getting brighter.
“There’s no other sport out there that gives me the cardio and the ability to compete with my grandchildren like this. It’s just a wonderful thing.” – (Bodie)
News in Brief: Pickleball Craze Hits St. Johns
Pickleball is rising in St. Johns County, Florida, with participation rising 223% in three years. Players of all ages are flocking to courts, prompting the county to nearly double its court count from 36 to 70. Officials credit the sport’s accessibility, affordability, and social benefits for its meteoric rise.
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